FAQs

During this transition period, it is important that we move forward in a coordinated and intentional manner. Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions that will be updated as information and answers become available. Please check back frequently for important updates.

Information Technology

3/1 What is the impact of the domain change?

Educause has certified our new domain name as augusta.edu. The implementation of the new domain augusta.edu has already taken place. Though Augusta University’s domain name has changed, gru.edu will re-direct to augusta.edu for the foreseeable future.

3/1 What is the impact of the email change?

As of April 4th, outgoing email will change to appear as jsmith@augusta.edu. Until that time, you can still send emails to recipients using @augusta.edu. This is important to keep in mind as you print materials with email addresses. Go ahead and use @augusta.edu

3/1 When will I get information about IT system transitions?

Be on the lookout for IT emails that will share updates about the transition and name change.

Badging

3/1 When will I get a new badge?

The badging team is working to ensure we have a smooth rebadging process implemented. The scope of work is being defined and timelines are being outlined. Rebadging will be handled on a department by department basis due to credentialing and access criteria. Please lookout for more information via jagwire.augusta.edu.

Legal

3/1 Will the name change have any impact on current contracts and agreements for the university or health system?

The legal name change will not have any material impact on our current contracts and agreements for the university or health system. All current contracts and agreements, of all types and description, remain in full force and effect and are not in any way impaired as a result of the name change.

3/1 Legally, what do we call ourselves?

For the university, all contracts, agreements and other legal documents should use the following name to describe our legal entity: “Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia on Behalf of Augusta University”. For the health system, the legal name change will occur in the spring for AU Medical Center, AU Medical Associates, and AU Health System.

Visit http://brand.augusta.edu/signature/ and fill out the signature generator form. Copy the output and paste into your Outlook signature. Do not use logos in your signature as this causes email size to become unnecessarily large.

3/1 Where do I find templates like PowerPoint, Electronic Letterhead, etc.

If you manage a social media account on behalf of any Augusta University office, department, college, program, etc., please contact Clarissa Chavez, marketing coordinator, at cchavez1@gru.edu for guidance on how to handle this transition. She will be able to provide account update support, the proper visual identifiers, and direct information on how to move forward so that accounts can be updated smoothly and consistently.

Before any updates are made, we would like to encourage you to take this opportunity to evaluate the performance of your social media accounts. We would like the social media presence of Augusta University to be strongly identifiable and cohesive. Please take this time and consider if a page needs to be transitioned into a group, if pages can be consolidated, or if they have been inactive and should be deleted.

10/1 Will the colors or mascots change?

No. We will remain the Jaguars, and our colors will be blue and gray. We encourage our community to continue to use Jaguar logos and spirit marks during the transition. Go Jags!

Health System

6/1 What are our brands and where can I find images for use?

Our Brand Strategy: Our organization’s logo takes a monolithic approach to our academic and clinical audiences, with the flexibility to be used across all schools, institutions and departments. Individuals will begin to associate the one mark with all mission areas including research, academic, and clinical. This allows us to capitalize on the vastness of our organization, so people begin to recognize Augusta University as a true positive force of excellence in the state and beyond. We provide excellence in teaching, discovery, and clinical service. We are strongest together. We are Jaguar Nation.

The primary logo can be downloaded by visiting http://brand.augusta.edu/logos and scrolling to the bottom of the page.

Learn more about our strategy, our visual identity, view videos, download guidelines and templates, and so much more at http://brand.augusta.edu/.

6/1 I am updating a form branded with both GRHealth and MCG Health, Inc. What logo and name should I use to update the form?

NO LOGOS should be used on forms. Simply make reference to the legal names via plain text i.e. AU Medical Center, AU Medical Associates, or AU Health

6/1 When should I use the Augusta University brand versus AU Health brand?

Augusta University’s health system or the health system at Augusta University—Refers to the combination of all cooperating health care organizations and locations including the Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Georgia at Augusta University, Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University, and Medical Associates. Second and subsequent references when referring to the entire health system are “Augusta University.” Informal references such as “the health system” are acceptable. When spoken and written, we advise spelling out ‘Augusta University’ so people understand who we are. Note that ‘AU Health’ and ‘Augusta University Health’ are not two separate brands. ‘AU Health’ is our legal name.

Brand references may be used at the discretion of the Division of Communications and Marketing such as “Augusta Health” as represented in the url augustahealth.org or health system logo usage on signage.

Health care practices are named as follows: Augusta University Breast Health Center, Augusta University Orthopaedics, Augusta University Sports Medicine, Augusta University Medical Clinic at West Wheeler and Augusta University Medical Clinic at Lake Oconee. Second and subsequent references: Breast Health Center, Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine, West Wheeler, Lake Oconee, respectively.

6/1 Am I wrong if I spell out Augusta University Health, as opposed to AU Health?

6/1 I am an employee of the health system, do I need to tell people that I’m an employee of Augusta University?

Under our new brand, we are all Augusta University. Our brand takes a monolithic approach to our academic and clinical audiences. Individuals will begin to associate the one mark with all mission areas including research, academic, and clinical. This allows us to capitalize on the vastness of our organization, so people begin to recognize Augusta University as a true positive force of excellence in the state and beyond. We provide excellence in teaching, discovery, and clinical service. We are strongest together. We are Jaguar Nation.

With that said, ensure that proper use of the legal name is used where appropriate on business forms, legal documents, etc.

6/1 I’ve seen each of the following brands used: Augusta University, AU Health, AU Health System, AU Medical Center, and AU Medical Associates. What are the differences between them?

Legal filed the DBAs for the following entities: AU Health, AU Medical Center and AU Medical Associates. “AU” stands for “Augusta University”. Note that a legal name is different from a brand. Brands bring familiarity to an organization, and we want people to understand that as the area’s academic medical center, our university affiliation brings unmatched advantages to our patients. When people think of our brand, we want them to associate excellence in service, technology, and care. Branded pieces should start with the marketing department and use the appropriate logo. The legal name should be used where appropriate on business forms, legal documents, etc. with NO LOGOS.

6/1 I am staff member within a clinical department, will there be a logo created that is specific to my department, and, if so, where can I find it and what guidelines should I follow for its use?

Yes, please work with your administrator or submit a marketing request here and a marketing strategist will be in touch to assist with your marks:http://www.augusta.edu/dcm/request/

6/1 My office is responsible for distributing brochures in support of a program which is only offered to health system employees. What branding guidance should I follow when updating my brochures?

Our Brand Strategy: Our organization’s logo takes a monolithic approach to our academic and clinical audiences, with the flexibility to be used across all schools, institutions and departments. Individuals will begin to associate the one mark with all mission areas including research, academic, and clinical. This allows us to capitalize on the vastness of our organization, so people begin to recognize Augusta University as a true positive force of excellence in the state and beyond. We provide excellence in teaching, discovery, and clinical service. We are strongest together. We are Jaguar Nation.

This affords the flexibility for our primary Augusta University logo to be used across the health institutions and departments. The primary logo can be downloaded by visiting http://brand.augusta.edu/logos and scrolling to the bottom of the page.

Learn more about our strategy, our visual identity, view videos, download guidelines and templates, and so much more at http://brand.augusta.edu/.

5/9 When should I use the Augusta University brand versus AU Health brand?

Augusta University’s health system or the health system at Augusta University—Refers to the combination of all cooperating health care organizations and locations including the Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Georgia and Medical Associates. Second and subsequent references when referring to the entire health system are “Augusta University.” Informal references such as “the health system” are acceptable. When spoken and written, we advise spelling out ‘Augusta University’ so people understand who we are. Note that ‘AU Health’ and ‘Augusta University Health’ are not two separate brands. They are one. ‘AU Health’ is simply our legal name.

Brand references may be used at the discretion of the Division of Communications and Marketing such as “Augusta Health” as represented in the url augustahealth.org or health system logo usage on signage.

Health care practices are named as follows: Augusta University Breast Health Center, Augusta University Orthopaedics, Augusta University Sports Medicine, Augusta University Medical Clinic at West Wheeler and Augusta University Medical Clinic at Lake Oconee. Second and subsequent references: Breast Health Center, Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine, West Wheeler, Lake Oconee, respectively.

Augusta University Medical Center—Spell out entire name on first reference. On second and subsequent references, informal references such as “the medical center” are preferred.

Augusta University Medical Associates—Spell out entire name on first reference. On second and subsequent references, informal references such as Medical Associates are preferred.

5/9 Am I wrong if I spell out Augusta University Health, as opposed to AU Health?

No, you are not wrong. “AU” stands for “Augusta University,” so references to Augusta University are appropriate.

5/9 I am an employee of Augusta University Medical Associates, do I need to tell people that I’m an employee of Augusta University?

YES! We are all Augusta University. Our brand takes a monolithic approach to our academic and clinical audiences. Individuals will begin to associate the one mark with all mission areas including research, academic, and clinical. This allows us to capitalize on the vastness of our organization, so people begin to recognize Augusta University as a true positive force of excellence in the state and beyond. We provide excellence in teaching, discovery, and clinical service. We are strongest together. We are Jaguar Nation.

5/9 I’ve seen each of the following brands used: Augusta University, AU Health, AU Health System, AU Medical Center, and AU Medical Associates. What are the differences between them?

a. Legal filed the DBAs for the following entities: AU Health, AU Medical Center and AU Medical Associates. “AU” stands for “Augusta University,” so references to Augusta University are appropriate. Note that a legal name is different from a brand. If you have questions about editorial references to our health system entities, please download the brand guidelines here: https://gru.app.box.com/v/brandguidelines.

5/9 I am staff assigned to the Department of Radiology, will there be a logo created that is specific to my department, and, if so, where can I find it and what guidelines should I follow for its use?

Yes, please work with your administrator or submit a marketing request here and a marketing strategist will be in touch to assist with your marks: http://www.augusta.edu/dcm/request/

5/9 My office is responsible for distributing brochures in support of a program which is only offered to Augusta University Medical Center employees. What branding guidance should I follow when updating my brochures?

5/9 I am an employee of Augusta University Medical Center and am trying to update a form branded with both GRHealth and MCG Health, Inc. What logo and name should I use to update the form?

Visual identity branding (logos) is not required on forms. Simply make reference to Augusta University Medical Center via plain text.

5/9 I am preparing an internal use administrative form on behalf of Augusta University Medical Associates do I need to brand it with Augusta University’s logo?

No. Visual identity branding is not required on forms. Simply make reference to Augusta University Medical Associates via plain text.

5/9 I work at the West Wheeler clinic, how will the branding under Augusta University affect me?

You are a part of Augusta University. A brand workshop was conducted at your clinic in March. Please work with your administrator, Connie Rhodes with specific marketing questions. Your signs will be updated in coordination with the rest of the health system by end of 2016. You should work to update all interior signage, business cards, forms, etc. If you need assistance with this, please reach out to Connie or submit a marketing request here: http://www.augusta.edu/dcm/request/

5/9 Should I make any changes to text on forms that reference our legal names: MCG Health, Inc., MCG Health System Inc., or The Medical College of Georgia Physicians Practice Group?

Yes, please use the new legal names AU Health, AU Medical Center, or AU Medical Associates via text and not via a logo.

5/9 I’ve read through the FAQs but still have additional questions, where can I go for assistance with my questions?

Impact on Students

10/27 What university name will be on my diploma?

The official diploma for the graduates for Fall 2015 forward will reflect the name Augusta University. Graduates may also request one commemorative diploma reflecting the name of the university when they initially matriculated (Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Health Sciences University, Augusta State University, or Georgia Regents University), providing they have remained continuously enrolled*. The availability date for the Augusta University diploma and the commemorative diplomas will be announced at a later time.

*Continuous enrollment is defined as not having transferred to another University and transferred back to Augusta University or that the student has not had a break in enrollment of three consecutive semesters or more.*

Augusta University.
After fielding numerous inquiries from our competitors and conferring with the NCAA, we concluded that allowing our teams to be recognized under the banner of our new name will more quickly alleviate any confusion and promote valuable team recognition in conference, regional or national exposure. We will use our current uniforms, stationary, business cards, signage, etc., — GRU, Georgia Regents University or Georgia Regents University Augusta — until we can transition in a fiscally responsible way to using the new name.

10/1 Is this the first step to undoing consolidation or reducing the scope of our mission?

No. The Board of Regents made clear they are excited about the future of our successfully consolidated institution, and they hope this change will spark even greater success. The steadfast support from our Governor, the University System of Georgia and the BOR during and since consolidation makes clear their understanding of the tremendous value of this institution to our community, region, state and nation. We will continue to pursue the goals President Keel was hired to pursue as he has articulated since his appointment: an outstanding undergraduate campus, a top-50 medical school, significant contribution to the future of cybersecurity and growth in areas that will benefit Georgians.

10/1 Will the university lose traction in enrollment or rankings due to another name change?

While we will be very sensitive to confusion that may arise and will proactively work to address it, students are drawn to the programs we offer and the learning experiences and facilities we can provide. For example, the new residence hall opening in the fall is already in high demand and generating a lot of excitement.

This year’s Freshman Index was the highest in our history, and we expect the name change will help raise our profile among students in our region and state. Each of us can become part of the solution by helping potential students understand that while the name has changed, the outstanding opportunities we offer have not.

9/23 Will we have the option of having dual diplomas?

That is one of the questions leaders will address. With previous name changes, students have been given the option to select a commemorative diploma in addition to their actual diploma. We expect to be able to do the same with this name change.

9/23 How does this impact our reputation nationally?

Dr. Keel and his administration understand that the enhancement of our reputation is a critical issue, and that questions and confusion, particularly from individuals outside Augusta, will need to be addressed. Whether we are called GRU or Augusta University, it is the stories about the great students we attract, the discoveries our researchers make, the exceptional teaching of our faculty, the compassionate healing done by our health care professionals and the service we provide to this great community that are at the heart of our story.